Ireland has pledged a further €25million in humanitarian assistance to Syria.

It was announced by the Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney, today.

It brings the country’s total contribution to the humanitarian response for the Syria crisis to over €140 million since 2012, Ireland’s largest response to any single crisis.

The Tanaiste said: “The conflict in Syria has created one of the worst humanitarian crises of our time, affecting both Syria and its neighbours.

“Over 11.7 million people in Syria are in need of humanitarian assistance, while over 5.6 million Syrian refugees are displaced in the region.

“Ireland remains committed to the critical life-saving response inside Syria and to the refugee response needs in neighbouring countries. Therefore, in 2019 we will disburse a further €25 million to the Syria Crisis.”

Mr Coveney added: “Ireland also wishes to acknowledge the efforts of those countries, particularly the neighbouring countries of Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon, who have so generously hosted millions of Syrian refugees.

“Each of these countries, and their people, have extended a compassionate response to human need. It is our duty as an international community to show support and solidarity for their efforts.”